Gun fired at Vernon deli robbery, no one injured

Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald - Yellow police tape is seen outside of the Market Place Deli, on Canistear Road in Highland Lakes, on Wednesday February 26, 2014.

Posted: Feb. 25, 2014 11:51 pm Updated: Mar. 1, 2014 12:59 am

Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald - Footprints are seen behind the Market Place Deli in Highland Lakes on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. Police say a man fled the area after robbing the store at gunpoint Tuesday night.

VERNON — Vernon police are searching for a male suspect who shot a handgun while robbing the Market Place Deli on Canistear Road on Tuesday evening.

The man robbed the Highland Lakes delicatessen at gunpoint around 5:51 p.m., according to police. The owner and employees reported that the man entered the business and displayed and discharged a handgun while demanding cash, police said.

No one was injured in the incident.

An undisclosed amount of money was turned over to the man. He then fled on foot in the direction of a wooded area behind the deli, police said.

On Wednesday around noon, the area behind the store was roped off with caution tape. Footprints could be seen in the snow.

No arrests have been made, according to Vernon police. The suspect is described as having a thin build, dark complexion, in his mid 20s, just under 6 feet, and wearing all black and a baseball cap.

Vernon police’s investigation included the use of the department’s K-9 unit. West Milford Police assisted by establishing a checkpoint at Canistear Road and Route 23.

The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and Vernon police are continuing to investigate. Persons with information are asked to contact Vernon Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-764-6155.